September 2021
GCW has helped client CBRE Global Investors secure a letting to JD Sports at Lion Walk Shopping Cent e, Colchester. The retailer has committed to a 10-year lease on the 9,500 sq ft store at an annual rent of £160,000 pa.
JD Sports were persuaded to relocate from its sub-standard store in the town’s Culver Square Shopping Centre to occupy a prominent unit formerly occupied by Topshop. Lion Walk is Colchester’s prime retail pitch with a tenant line up including Primark, Boots, New Look and Marks & Spencer. The 205,000 sq ft centre serves a strong catchment and the Lion Walk store offers JD Sports an opportunity to raise its profile within the town.
Colchester has bounced back well after lockdown and Lion Walk occupiers have reported strong sales as shoppers are drawn to its strong tenant line up. The centre’s owner is committed to an ongoing investment programme and has just completed the development of 9 residential units alongside 5,000 sq ft of reconfigured retail space.
The arrival of JD Sports will further boost the centre’s appeal, following the opening of Muffin Break last year. The Lion Walk unit is the second store CBRE Global Investors has let to the retailer in the last 12 months after JD Sports agreed a deal to open in the Arc in Bury St Edmunds.